Pierre Trudeau, who died on Thursday at the age of 80, swept to power in 1968, projecting an irreverent youthful image that captured the spirit of the times.

He remained in office for almost a generation - a turbulent period during which he fought off French-speaking separatist forces in Quebec and gave Canada an image and identity on the international stage.

A man of powerful intellect and ideas, Trudeau was also famous for his charisma and charm

As news of his death broke, the Canadian House of Commons held a minute's silence in tribute to him

The United Nations Security Council also paused to remember Trudeau

Trudeau, shown here wearing a red rose at a world economic summit, gave Canada stature on the international stage

His ex-wife Margaret was with Trudeau when he died, along with their two surviving sons

A man with a common touch, he was mourned by people he had met briefly as well as the many inspired by his ideals

Perhaps his greatest achievement was to keep Canada united, as this flag held outside his home suggests